
Photographer:
FranzH
Location of Photo:
Chamaeleon Observatory, Onjala Lodge, Namibia
Date/Time of photo:
06-08 August 2021
Equipment:
Planewave CDK12.5 + Televue Reducer +QHY 163M
Description:
Our direct neighboring star system, with the bright star Alpha Centauri as its main star, attracts attention at every star gazing under southern sky. Much less known, however, is this beautiful planetary nebula, located only 1.5 lunar diameters west of Alpha Centauri. The small central part is very bright and stands out even in shorter exposed images. The fragmented outer shell is much fainter and requires longer exposure times.